The BioWare Social Network now offers downloads of a PC-only beta version 1.01 patch for Dragon Age II, the just-released role-playing sequel. The patch fixes save game issues on single-core machines, the game asking for non-existent drives, release control issues where some players were unable to unlock correctly, and a Steam-specific issue related to VO not playing after switching languages. That last fix is a pretty odd one to include in this beta patch, since there's a footnote saying: "Steam does not support BETA patches. Steam users will have to wait for the final non-BETA patch before they can take advantage of these fixes. We're working on it but, unfortunately, this will not occur in time for the weekend." There is also a typical warning that users are applying a beta patch at their own risk. The patch is mirrored on Gamer's Hell and Strategy Informer.

I like it, but not as much as DAO. I actually like the combat more, it feels faster paced and more exciting. However, in DAO, it felt like I was on an epic quest to save the world. I got to travel all over a kingdom, visit the dwarven underworld, the forest of the elves, the cities, mage tower, towns, etc. It was great, even if some of the side quests weren't so interesting.

In DA2, I seem to be visiting the same areas of the city over and over again, and when I'm not, I'm visiting the same wilderness and dungeons over and over again. It's fun, but I keep wondering why I can't go anywhere else.